My Journey of Faith, Formation, and Flourishing

The Soundtrack of Our 40s

There is a soundtrack playing in the background of women in their 40s. It should be the melodious rhythm of a life steadied by her experiences and the reward of her choices. But often the cacophony ringing in the distance is society’s checklist, reminders, and comparisons. At this stage, we are often at a crossroads. While still giving a lot to family, work, and community, we are also sensing deeper shifts in our bodies, identities, and faith. 

Ministering as a young 25 year old looked much different from the sermons I wrote at 35. And now 10 years later, the 45 year old me has settled into the beauty of the detours, the quiet lessons, and the unexpected joys. The thread running through everything mountain high and valley low is a desire to live rooted in Christ, shaped by His Spirit, and flourishing in His abundance.

Faith: Growing Through the Seasons

While studying Matthew 11 last week in preparation to minister, I was struck by Christ’s simple yet profound invitation in verse 28. The Message Bible says it like this, “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life.”

Could it get any simpler? Jesus wants us to recover our lives. It’s flourishing in a nutshell. Joy returning where weariness once lived, health being restored one decision at a time, and hope rising even in challenging seasons. It’s a posture of receiving God’s abundance and walking in it daily. And all we have to do is simply stop the metronome of worry fed by carrying our burnout alone. 

Flourishing: Recovering Life and Perspective

The picture you see above was taken during a recent time of rest. It reminds me that flourishing isn’t about perfection or escape; it’s about perspective. As a woman who has walked through both challenges and victories, I’ve come to see that flourishing means standing in my maturity, rooted in faith, and able to share wisdom not from theory but from lived experience. 

As seasons change, one thing has been constant. A faith that can not remain static but one that grows from childhood belief to deep dependence. This is the sustaining power of our lived hope coming alive in ministry, family life, and moments of struggle. Faith is what invites us all to see possibility when the limitations are obvious and the light ahead is dimmed by our own fears. 

Formation: Shaped From the Inside Out

The word formation speaks of the patient work of the Holy Spirit shaping my inner life through practices like silence, Scripture meditation, prayer, and retreat. Formation is slow work that doesn’t happen overnight. It’s His responsibility of superintending the change in my life. But I’ve found that when I lean into these rhythms, God does a transforming work that overflows into how I love, lead, and serve.

What’s Ahead: Living Well Together

This journey of faith, formation, and flourishing is also shaping the work I’m stepping into next.

This fall, I’ll be co-hosting the next season of Living Well with Dee & Jenn, where my dear friend Jenn and I will talk honestly about faith, wellness, ministry, and what it means to live well as women following Christ. It will be a space for encouragement, laughter, and practical wisdom that helps us lean into God’s best for our lives. If you enjoyed our first season, then you will be in for a treat ahead.

I’m also preparing to host retreats designed specifically for urban women in ministry. I am dedicating 2026 to women who often pour themselves out in service, but rarely have safe spaces to be poured into. These retreats will be places of rest, sacred listening, and renewal; where women can step away from the noise and rediscover their own flourishing in God’s presence. I can’t wait to share more! 

Will you pray for me as I lean into this work and prepare sacred containers for others to come away with Christ and recover their lives? 

Reflection & Invitation

A scripture to read: Matthew 11:28-30

A song to sing: Peace, by Anna Golden

A sermon to watch: He’ll Pick It Up If You Put It On

A question to ask: Where is Jesus asking you to step out of exhaustion and into the sacred rhythm of His rest?

A prayer to pray: Jesus, I accept your invitation to me. This is a door I didn’t knock on. You just opened it for me because you love me that much. This is not a path that comes naturally. But you intersected my work with your rest. I had my way. But you gently asked me to learn the unforced rhythms of grace. So I surrender. Your way is better. And I fully say yes to keeping company with you. Forever. Amen.

If this reflection resonates, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below or via email.